Remote Vehicle Control via Mobile Intermediary
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Solution Overview
Problem
Instructing a vehicle to operate without control interfaces accessible to the occupant, such as an accelerator pedal, brake pedal, or steering wheel, poses a challenge in remote vehicle operation.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a mobile computer and a vehicle computer, connected via an in-vehicle communication network like a CAN bus, that receives operation data and user input to transition the vehicle from a boarding state to a driving state, allowing remote instruction and actuation of vehicle components to proceed to a specified location.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If control interfaces (accelerator pedal, brake pedal, steering wheel) are removed from the vehicle, then remote operation capability is improved, but safety and control reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces a mobile computer as an intermediary device between the remote user and the vehicle computer. This mediator receives user input remotely, processes it, and transmits commands to the vehicle computer, enabling remote operation while maintaining safety through multiple layers of communication and validation. The mobile computer acts as a buffer that ensures reliable control transmission without requiring physical control interfaces in the vehicle.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical control system (physical pedals and steering wheel) with an electronic communication-based control system. Instead of mechanical input devices, the system uses wireless communication channels, mobile computers, and electronic signal transmission to convey user intentions to the vehicle, thereby enabling remote operation while maintaining control reliability through electronic validation and processing.
2Adaptability or versatility
If control interfaces are not readily available to occupants, then remote operation is enabled, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system moves the control interface from the physical dimension (inside the vehicle) to the remote digital dimension (mobile device). Users can operate the vehicle from any location with internet connectivity, transforming the control experience from spatially-constrained physical interaction to location-independent digital interaction. This dimensional shift enables remote operation while maintaining ease of operation through familiar mobile device interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile computer creates a virtual copy of the control interface experience, allowing users to interact with the vehicle through a digital representation of control functions. The system replicates essential control capabilities on the mobile device, providing users with familiar touch-screen or button-based interfaces that mirror traditional vehicle controls, thereby maintaining ease of operation despite physical distance.
3Reliability
If the system checks vehicle readiness data before operation, then safety is improved, but complexity of the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary checks of vehicle readiness data before allowing remote operation to commence. The mobile computer and vehicle computer exchange and validate operational status information in advance, ensuring that critical systems are functioning properly before transmitting control commands. This preliminary validation improves safety by preventing operation under suboptimal conditions while adding structured complexity to the initialization process.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback loops where the vehicle computer monitors operational data and communicates status information back to the mobile computer. This feedback mechanism ensures that the remote operator receives real-time information about vehicle readiness and operational state, enabling informed decision-making and maintaining safety through ongoing validation. The feedback structure adds systematic complexity but ensures reliable and safe remote operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a mobile computer programmed to receive, from a vehicle computer, an instruction to proceed to a location and vehicle operation data from an in-vehicle communications network. The mobile computer is programmed to determine that a vehicle is ready to proceed to the location based on the operation data. The mobile computer is programmed to receive user input approving transitioning from a boarding state to a driving state. The mobile computer is programmed to then instruct the vehicle computer to actuate vehicle components to proceed to the location.